Crafted in 14kt yellow gold, ca. 1960's, this estate pendant/brooch depicts a charming bee motif, with delicate mother of pearl wings and alternating mother of pearl and turquoise inlay striping along the body, accented by two round cabochon rubies, each measuring approximately 2.11mm and totaling approximately 0.11 ctw, set as the bee's eyes. Total measurements are approximately 15/16 x 1 inch, with a weight of approximately 4.6 grams.
Figural animal jewelry enjoyed particular popularity throughout the mid-20th century, when jewelers embraced whimsical, sculptural forms accented with natural materials like mother of pearl and turquoise for richly textured, multi-dimensional designs. The bee has long stood as a beloved symbol in jewelry, representing hard work, community, and personal transformation. Here, the inlay technique creates a striking striped effect along the bee's body, while the luminous mother of pearl wings and ruby eyes bring the design vividly to life. This dual-function piece offers versatility, wearable as either a pendant or a classic pinned brooch.
Elevate your jewelry collection with this vintage bee pendant/brooch, a wonderfully characterful and one-of-a-kind addition for collectors of figural and mid-century jewelry design. Its richly inlaid detail and dual-wear functionality make it a delightful conversation piece as well as a thoughtful gift for someone who loves whimsical, storied jewelry.
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